Sue Scheff: Relationship Reality with Teens and Sex

As summer is approaching teens have more spare time.  Whether they are engaging in summer parties, summer sleep overs or just hanging out, sex is a topic that many teens are in tune with.

What is your teen's relationship reality?  Do they understand that a relationship is built on trust and respect?  It is more than going out on a few dates, it is more than spending hours on the phone or texting each other continuously.

The decisions your teen make about their relationships matter a lot - both in the short-term and in the long-term. So, Stay Teen has collected some facts, tips, and feedback from teens about what makes a healthy relationship and how to avoid an unhealthy one.

Tips for healthy relationships:

• Just because you think "everyone is doing it," doesn't mean they are. Some are, some aren't — and some are lying.
• There are a lot of good reasons to say "no, not yet." Protecting your feelings is one of them.
• You're in charge of your own life - don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.
• You can always say "no" — even if you've said "yes" before.
• If you're drunk or high, you can't make good decisions about sex. Don't do something you might not remember or might really regret.
• Sex won't make him or her yours and a baby won't make them stay.

FACT: Most teens say it is not embarrassing to be a virgin. - Stay Teen

Encourage your teen to take the StayTeen.org quiz  today!

In South Florida, Planned Parenthood can help you educate your teens on sex and if they are considering have it. Teen Talk is targeted at discussing sex education and protection with your teens.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier and safer teens.

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Summer Time - Chances of Your Teens Experimenting with Pot are Higher

On almost a daily basis I hear from parents about their teens smoking pot on a regular basis.  It is quite disturbing that it has become acceptable in many ways.   With extra time and many teens hanging out during the summer months, chances are higher that they may have an opportunity to try pot.  Are you ready for this?  How will you respond?  Talk now, don't wait for it to happen.

Source: Connect with Kids

For Teens, Is Summer Going to Pot

“During the summer, I went out more. And during the school year, I was focused on my homework and stuff, and the summer was mostly just a time for me to relax and just chill out and go party.”

– Angelique, 18

Recent research from the Partnership for a Drug Free America reports that marijuana use among teens is on the rise. Mix in another statistic: That during the summer months when kids have more free time, more will try pot for the first time. Pot use may really approach new highs.

For most teens, the summer brings sun, swimming and maybe some extra time spent on the skateboard. But for others, the season marks the time when they first try pot.

"Beginning of summer, first day of summer, in fact," says Sarah, who's 19.

"It was during the summer because then we could stay out later and a lot of other kids were out of school, too," 18-year-old Angelique adds.

In fact, studies show 40 percent of teens who smoke marijuana first tried the drug during the summer.
"They have a lot of free time. A lot of kids are bored during the summer. They've got nothing to do. So the fact that a lot of kids are starting to get into things they shouldn't and experiment isn't surprising at all," says addiction counselor Dr. Robert Margolis, who serves as executive director of Solutions Counseling in Atlanta.

Every month... but especially during the summer months, parents need to know what their kids are up to.
"I think they ought to ask themselves do they have any plan going into the summer for their kids. What are their kids going to do? Are they going to get a job? Are they going to maybe go study someplace ... are they going to have something that's structured to do?" Dr. Margolis says.
He says that regardless of their own personal experiences when they were young, parents should explain the dangers of marijuana, especially at the beginning of the summer.
"What parents need to understand is that this is a very harmful, addictive drug that ruins people's lives. And they better be prepared with facts to discuss this with their kids," Dr. Margolis says.
Talks with her parents, and her doctor, finally convinced Angelique to stop smoking marijuana.
"Like they're more dangerous than cigarettes and all that stuff. I didn't know that," she says.

What Parents Need To Know

The summer months often bring more freedom to teens. But many of them abuse this freedom, as evidenced by data released by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse that shows 40% of teens first try marijuana during the summer. In fact, about 5,800 teens try marijuana for the first time each day in June and July.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annual Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, more than 38% of teens report having use marijuana in their life. Nearly 20% admitted to smoking pot within the past 30 days and 8% of kids tried marijuana prior to turning 13 years of age.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the prevalence of drug use can, in part, be attributed to the overall perceptions and attitudes that drug use – particularly that of marijuana – is not harmful and is insignificant. Yet, those who choose to use this substance do risk developing serious health problems. The NIDA says that marijuana is responsible for the following physical effects in a user:

• THC – the main chemical in marijuana – changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by particular systems in the brain. The system most affected is the limbic system, which is crucial for learning, memory and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that THC suppresses neurons in the information-processing system of the brain.
• A person who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers develop. The individual may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.
• Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.

In order for parents to help curb the growing problem of marijuana use among teens, they must first understand the dangers involved in using the drug. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign cautions parents to be aware of the following points about marijuana use:

• Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today.
• More teens enter treatment for marijuana abuse each year than for all other illicit drugs combined.
• Marijuana is addictive.
• Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development.
• Adolescent marijuana users show lower academic achievement compared to non-users.
• Even short-term marijuana use has been linked to memory loss and difficulty with problem-solving.
• Time and again, kids say that their parents are the single most important influence when it comes to using drugs.

As a parent, how can you determine if your teen is using marijuana? According to the NIDA, you should look for the following symptoms associated with marijuana use:

• Appears dizzy and has trouble walking
• Seems silly and giggly for no reason
• Has very red or blood shot eyes
• Has trouble remembering events that have just occurred

Although these symptoms will fade within a few hours of use, other significant behavioral changes – including withdrawal, depression, fatigue, carelessness with grooming, hostility and deteriorating relationships with family members and friends – may signal that your teen is in trouble. If your teen is using drugs, he or she may also experience changes in academic performance, have increased absenteeism, lose interest in sports or other favorite activities and develop different eating or sleeping habits.
Whether or not you suspect your child is using marijuana, it is crucial that you discuss the issue at an early age. The experts at DrugHelp suggest following these steps when discussing tough issues, like drug abuse, with your child:

• Create a climate in which your child feels comfortable approaching you and expressing his or her feelings.
• Don't shut off communication by responding judgmentally, saying, "You're wrong" or "That's bad."
• Give your child an opportunity to talk.
• Show your interest by asking appropriate questions.
• Listen to what your child has to say before formulating a response.
• Focus on what your child has to say, not on language or grammar.
• Use probing questions to encourage a shy child to talk.
• Identify areas of common experience and agreement.
• Leave the door open for future conversations

Resources

• DrugHelp
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sue Scheff: Jobless Rate Down - Tips for Summer Jobs for Teens

In Northeast Florida, for the first time since 2006, the jobless rate has dropped. Many northeast Florida counties jobless rate dropped nearly a full percentage point. Flagler County, which has had the state's highest unemployment rate for months, dropped 1.2 percent, but at 15.4 percent, remains the highest in Florida according to News4Jax.

April 2010 Unemployment Rates

Alachua County 7.4% down .9%
Baker County 11.0% down .4%
Bradford County 9.4% down .5%
Clay County 10.1% down .9%
Columbia County 10.4% down .9%
Duval County 11.6% down .9%
Flagler County 15.4% down 1.2%
Nassau County 10.6% down 1.0%
Putnam County 12.8% down .9%
St. Johns County 9.4% down .9%
Union County 8.9% down .8%

What does this mean for summer jobs for your teens? If your teenager is looking for a summer job there are some great tips to start. Remember having a summer job is not only financially rewarding, it gives your teen a sense of accountability and builds self esteem.

• Always avoided your parent's friends? Now's the time to get to know them better. Networking -- talking -- with as many adults (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) as you can is best way to find a job, any job. Learn more about the power of networking.
• You thought school was over? Think again. Now is the time to learn all you need about job-hunting because it's going to be harder than ever before to get a job. Learn more about job-hunting basics.
• How's your spelling and grammar? Better brush up. Take the time to prepare or update your resume -- you'll need it when you go on job interviews. Check out these resume resources and sample resumes.
• Put away those short skirts and thrift-store clothes. When you talk with potential employers, you need to dress your best and look professional, not like you're going on a date or lounging around the house. Learn how to dress for success.
• Turn off the television or video games and hit the street. A good way to look for summer jobs is going to the human resources department or manager of as many stores and offices in your town. Dress professionally and bring lots of copies of your resume.
• Thought you were done competing with your older siblings? Nope. Teens are being squeezed out of traditional jobs this summer as more experienced workers are forced to take whatever jobs they can find.
• If you love the outdoors, you may have better luck. As summer tourism picks up, there will be jobs in water parks, camps, and other hospitality-related companies and organizations.
• Love the Net? Then use it -- to a point. There are a number of teen summer job and camp sites, but don't make this method your sole method of job-hunting. Check out these teen summer job sites.
• No matter how bad it gets, keep smiling. Studies show employers look for these things in teens: enthusiasm, positive attitude, hard-working, friendly, and on-time.

Sources: Quintessential Careers, Jax4News

Here we are in Florida, is your teen interested in the water? Pools, beaches and camps - Check out Red Cross Lifeguarding Certifications. Read more.

Related articles:

Teens Financially Helping their Families
MySummers
Teens and Financial Literacy
Teen Career Decision Making

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Teens, Drinking and what Parent's Don't know

As the trial of Diane Katz Santarelli concludes, it should also be a wake-up call for parents. Teens and drinking is a concern and a very serious one.

The statistics are sobering. In a recent national survey of more than 2,500 eleventh and twelfth graders, 90 percent of teens believe their counterparts are more likely to drink and drive on prom night and 79 percent believe the same is true for graduation night.

What parents need to know is despite the tragic tales of reckless driving on prom and graduation nights, teens have a pervasive "it won't happen to me" attitude. Add to the alcohol factor distractions like texting or talking on the cell phone while driving, or the greater likelihood of multiple people in the car, and the crash potential is very real.

Parenting Tips:

• Communicate, Communicate Ask where your children are going, with whom they will be and what they will be doing. Ask who and how they will be supervised at a party. Be wary of sleepovers and all night parties. For some teens, sleepovers are opportunities to use drugs, alcohol and/or have sex, and can put them under too much peer pressure. Teen use of alcohol can lead to unprotected sex or dating violence. If your teen is at a home party, be sure you and the supervising adults share the same values and expectations for behavior at the party. Check in by phone or drive over to make sure a responsible parent is supervising the event and your child is still there. Make sure your teen has a safe ride home at the end of the party.
• Get involved. Volunteer to supervise school or neighborhood parties. Offer to chauffeur kids to and from graduation celebrations. Host an alcohol free party at your home.
• Discuss Safety with Your Child Even if your child resists alcohol and drugs, he or she is still at risk for becoming victimized by them. Emphasize the importance of watching out for careless, and possibly drunken, drivers and using the "buddy system" so that he or she is with at least one friend at all times. Encourage your child to call you at any time if he or she needs a safe ride home or for any other reason.
• Be clear about what you expect and be firm. Around age 17 and 18 is a time when youth are expected to seek more independence and are often eager to separate from parental controls. The combination of more independence along with pressures to party and fears about what the future holds can make graduating students vulnerable. Talk with your teen about what is a reasonable curfew and stick to it. Have your teen check in often. Discuss in advance the consequence for breaking the rules.
• Encourage graduating teens to take healthy risks. It is normal and healthy for teens to take appropriate risks that help them to learn, develop independence, conquer fears and build confidence. Rather than celebrating the graduation rite of passage with drinking and sex, encourage your teens to celebrate with their friends and family in some creative and healthy ways.

Source: Connect with Kids

Related articles:

Parents in Denial
Supervised Underage Drinking
Be Part of We Don't Serve Teens
Drinking: Too Smart to Start

Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.  Read more.

Sue Scheff: Digging Out of Deep Depression for Teens and Adults

Depression, sadness, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, isolation, fear, etc. Are you depressed? Do you know someone that is suffering with depression? Do you suspect your teenager may have signs of clinical depression?

During today's economy, many parents are struggling financially, maybe even lost their jobs or homes. Teenagers are going through a turbulent time as bullying and school violence climbs. Peer pressure is common as teens find it difficult to keep up with what they believe are the cool groups.

Guide to Healthcare Schools has developed a comprehensive list of depression resources on the Internet. They have asked me to share this extensive research in hopes that it will help people understand the signs of depression, the types of depression as well as some treatment directories.

Today, depression is one of the leading disorders facing adults, teens, and children, and while an increasing number of people seek help, an even larger contingency of the population suffer in silence.

Recovering from depression is a long and treacherous rode, often requiring the treatment of underlying causes of depression as opposed to merely a chemical imbalance.

Of course, the first step to recovering from depression is recognizing that you have a problem. The following list of articles and statistics are designed to help you learn more about what depression is, the symptoms of depression, how to seek help, and how to begin to recover.

Statistics on Depression in the United States

The following statistics were gathered by PBS .

• Depression affects 15 million American adults, which is roughly 8% of the U.S. population.
• Bipolar disorder or manic depression affects a staggering 6 million American adults. This is roughly 3% of the population.
• Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men.
• 80% of people who experience depression do not receive any sort of treatment.
• 80-90% of people who experience serious depression are unemployed.
• 90% of people who commit suicide have some sort of diagnosable mental illness.
• Scientists predict that by the year 2020 depression will be the 2nd most prevalent health problem in the world.

Read the entire research and resources - click here.

Read more.

Be an educated parent, you will have a healthier family.

Sue Scheff: Teens Taking the Guard Fit Challenge Program - Get Healthy Today

We are hearing more about childhood obesity and teen obesity. More and more teens and kids are technically connected however not getting outside and exercise! Summer is almost here and it is time to get involved in physical education. During Physical Fitness Month, take the time to learn more about staying healthy and eating right.

The Guard Fit Challenge and the Physical Fitness Month

Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness and Sports month? What better time than the present to begin to help your teens understand the value and benefits of being physically fit. And thanks to the Army National Guard's Guard Fit Challenge, helping your teen set and achieve fitness goals has never been easier.

Fitness Resources for Students, Young Adults, Teachers, and Parents

Whether you are a student who is starting to think about fitness, a young adult passionate about reaching your fitness goals, a teacher who is looking to inspire students, or a parent looking for additional resources to help improve the health of your family, the videos, calculators, and other resources offered by the Guard Fit Challenge Program can help you reach your goals.

Celebrating Presidential Physical Fitness Month

During this Presidential Physical Fitness Month, why not spend some time exploring all of the resources that are available to you. Schools can bring the Guard Fit Challenge Program to their students. Students and members of the community can access resources on the Guard Fit Challenge website. And everyone can learn more about The President's Challenge.

Common FAQs about Guard Fit Challenge:

Q: The students in my physical education class are on many different fitness levels, and some may not be able to do all of the exercises in the program. Can they still participate?

Guard Fit Challenge is designed to benefit and motivate every student in your class. The Army National Guard representative is prepared with alternate exercises for students who may not be able to execute some or all of the planned exercises. The presenter also talks to the students about avoiding injury while working out, and makes sure to ask if anyone has any injuries or conditions that need to be considered before participating in Guard Fit Challenge.

Q: What curriculum standards can Guard Fit Challenge help my school meet?

Guard Fit Challenge offers high schools the opportunity to meet national standards including Movement Forms, Physical Fitness, and Setting Goals for Good Health. Visit the Curriculum Standards section of this website to learn more.

Q: I don't want to join the National Guard, so why should I care about being Guard Fit?

No matter what path you take, physical fitness enables you to perform to your potential. Participating in Guard Fit Challenge can help you develop a new physical fitness routine, improve the way you work out, and set a foundation for a healthy future.

Q: I'm an Army National Guard Soldier, and I need a fitness boost before my next APFT. What resources are available to me?

In addition to the health and fitness information on the Guard Fit Challenge website, you can also join the Army National Guard Decade of Health community to learn more about Soldier health and wellness. And be sure to check out your copy of GX magazine for monthly fitness features, and get in touch with your local Master Fitness Trainer, who can offer personal fitness advice.

Related Articles:

Parenting to Prevent Obesity
Food Revolution and Your Teens
Teens and Physical Education
Just Turn it Off
Let's Move Campaign

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Teaching Teens About Identity Theft

With the expanding Internet use by almost everyone and every organization and business, identity theft is a growing problem.

South Florida is one of the prime stomping grounds for identity theft. Florida became the state with the highest per capita rate of reported identity theft complaints, totaling 22,664 in 2009, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Stealing a social security number can create havoc for the owner of that number.

Reported by the Miami Herald, 18 year-old Tia Nicole Holzworth plans to attend community college and works an after-school job managing rides at the Fun Spot amusement park in Florida.

She is not a dishwasher, paver installer or construction worker.

Yet her Social Security number was used by a score of undocumented workers doing those blue-collar jobs during the past two years in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, authorities say.

A recent study by the Federal Trade Commission found that more than 20,000 kids and teens were the victim of identity theft in 2008.

If your teen is getting a job this summer, or applying to colleges, talk to them about securing their social security number. Until it happens to you, you cannot imagine the stress and frustration you will have to go through to explain that you are a victim of identity theft. Years from now as you apply for a mortgage or want to purchase a car, your credit report may pop up suspicious activity.

Teach your teens now how to protect their identity. It could save them a lot of grief later.

How to safeguard your Social Security number:

• By law, your Social Security number is only required for opening new financial accounts or lines of credit, obtaining a job or for governmental purposes such as taxes or benefits.

• Ask questions: If a company asks for your number, ask under what law they need the number and offer an alternative identification. Only give it out if you feel comfortable with the company, and if you don't, be prepared to do without its services.

• Don't carry your Social Security card on a daily basis. Memorize the number. If your Medicare card had your number, make a wallet-sized photo copy for your wallet or purse and black out the final four digits.

• Shred any financial documents that might have your Social Security number before trashing them. Monitor your financial statements closely. And be wary of entering your Social Security number on web sites.

• Your Social Security number can be changed if you can prove you have been the legitimate victim of identity theft.

• For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html

Sources: Social Security Administration, Identity Theft Resource Center, Miami Herald

You can also visit the Identity Theft Resource Center for more helpful tips on securing your identity. Read more.

Sue Scheff: Spoiled Teens? Entitlement Issues? Take Back Control

Generations earlier many kids saved their money to buy a record, or what some may call a 45 record.

Today some teens believe they don't have to save their money or even be responsible for saving money since they can simply ask a parent or grandparent. They expect their parents to afford cell phones, computers, text messages, those hundred dollar jeans and sneakers as well as having their hair and nails done at upscale salons. We are in a society of entitlement issues!

Yes, this is as good as it gets and certainly can't get much better for some teenagers. What parents are not realizing is that all this giving is not helping our teens grow into responsible adults. It is true, many parents want their children to have more than they did - or not have to struggle the way their parents did, however in reality, those struggles actually have taught life lessons.

Now, in the middle of a financial meltdown in many homes, teens are feeling the squeeze and are having a hard time giving up their tech toys, if they are being asked to. Although this is not about depriving your children, it is about teaching accountability and responsibility during hard times.

Asking your teenager to get a part-time job or summer job to help pay for their text messages or those highlights in their hair, is not being a bad parent. It is about helping them to understand that learning to budget and save at a young age can help them be better adults in their future.

Check out Teen Summer Job Sites.

As good as it gets - Parenting Teens Today! Read more.

Sue Scheff: Parenting to pervent obesity - Get up and get moving

Helping your kids get and stay healthy isn't always easy in today's generation. It's hard for them to resist the unhealthy snacks, sodas and fast food that seem to be all around them. It's also tough to get them away from the television and computer screens and find places for them to play outside and exercise.

As Food Revolution has hit the airwaves and Let's Move Campaign has taken off by our First Lady, parents and kids alike are becoming more aware of healthy eating and the need for exercise.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation has a comprehensive website with tips and valuable information for schools, teachers, parents and children!

Part of parenting to prevent obesity is learning to just turn it off! Screen time is not just TV, it includes watching DVDs, playing video games, texting or surfing the Internet. All that time in front of a screen crowds out time for regular physical activity-and experts say that children should get at least 60 minutes of activity or more every day.

That means there has to be a balance between screen time and physical activity. Remember, sitting in front of a screen can also encourage snacking on unhealthy foods. So start by limiting your child's screen time and you can help crank up your kids' energy, re-charge their minds and improve their health.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier children!

Read more and learn about getting your family in motion!

Sue Scheff: Summer Programs for Struggling Teens

Summer is almost here, is your teen failing in school? Hanging out with less than desirable peers? Smoking pot or worse? Do you see your teenager going down a negative path?


Maybe it is time to find a good, positive Emotional Growth Summer Program to help stimulate your teen in a positive direction. Build their self-worth to make better choices. Help them to determine where these negative actions are stemming from.

Being a proactive parent can help you prevent your teen from spiraling out-of-control. Just say NO to Boot Camps, as many parents believe that beating a child into submission will scare them straight. In many cases, this is simply false. It is about building your child back up again.

For more help and assistance, please visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/  – for over a decade, Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) has helped thousands of families. Whether we are there to let you know you are not alone or you are seeking outside help, P.U.R.E. is available to you. Fill out a form today and get a free consultation.

Sue Scheff: Teen Volunteering and Community Service

Encouraging your teens to get involved in their community by volunteering can help your child build their self confidence as well as bring sunshine to those in need.

Many high school students may need community service hours, which can help motivate your teen. Once they start giving back they will soon feel the rewards of paying it forward.

Volunteering is so much more than helping others, it is helping yourself. It can feel so good to put a smile on another face, or simply have a dog look forward to their walk. The little things in life are major to those that are need.

In South Florida, there is TeenLink which offers a listing of places that are looking for teen volunteers. From working with the elderly to giving museum tours, there is something for everyone.

Select a category that interests you. Just click on the link to view all volunteer options for that category. Some organizations require you to register or contact an event coordinator prior to volunteering. Use the contact information provided. For the most recent updated volunteer opportunites, click on "Do it Now" located on the right.

Read more and learn more!

Sue Scheff: Bringing out the best in our teens and kids

With all the negative outside influences that surround our children, it is important today that parents encourage their kids and find out what their passion is and build on it. Children’s Author and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Kara Tamanini, recently wrote an excellent article just on this topic.

By Kara Tamanini

How Do We Bring The Best Out in Our Kids

Parents often wonder how to bring out the best in their children in order to produce the best possible child that they can. While consistent parenting, discipline, and communication are all keys to this, here are a few tips on bringing out the best possible child that you can.

1.) Have regular family meetings, dinners, or family game night with your child/children. We have all seen the commercials on T.V. about the importance of family dinners or having a family game night. Well folks, this time that we spend with our kids is really that important. Here is your chance to show an interest in what your child is doing and to ask questions about what is going on in their life. Ask about their friends and what is going on at school. By doing so, parents can often avoid their child later on turning into the quiet; withdrawn or surly teenager that tells their parents virtually NOTHING about what is going on in their life. This usually is not a good thing for parents or the teen!!

2.) Monitor the television shows that your child is watching. Reduce the amount of T.V. and watch for shows that have alot of violent content in them. Set a curfew for your child and always know where and with whom your child currently is. Trouble usually occurs when parents do not know where their child is and with whom.

3.) If you see that your child is struggling with self-control or anger problems, then by all means enroll them in a class on anger management, social skills, or how to make friends. These groups are usually available through schools, churches, or the local YMCA. Anger that is left untreated children, almost always becomes a bigger problem later on.

4.) Try to do things together with your child that your child enjoys. Praise your child as often as possible and by all means encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Ask them how their day went at school. Communication on your child’s developmental level goes a very long way with letting your child know that you take an interest in them. (even when your child tells you that they did nothing all day long at school!)

5.) If you find out that your child is having problems at school in getting along with other kids or in bullying others, then by all means talk to your child and your child’s teacher about their behaviors. Communication and dealing with issues as they come up is the key in avoiding problems later on down the road. And of course, implement reasonable and age-appropriate consequences for behavior as discipline problems come up.

Visit Kid Awareness Series for more fantastic and educational articles